Oh, what we have lost, but look what heaven has gained.

Jesse Lynn White, Sr. 78, of Lumberton, one of a kind, fabulous father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and companion has left our precious sight after a short battle with cancer Monday, February 1, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Beaumont, Jesse was born January 8, 1932, to Myrtle and Ben White. Jesse was proud to say that he served in the 3rd Division Infantry (same as Audie Murphy) as a radio operator during the Korean War from November 1952 to August 1954, knowing when he returned he would marry his true love, Sandra Poole.  They would have celebrated fifty-five years of total bliss on February 17th.

He retired from ExxonMobil after thirty-six years of service. Jesse also served as a scout leader and was an Evening Optimist Little League agent, president and team manager. We can’t leave out his dedication to working out at the Wellness Center with his loving wife and many friends.

He loved fishing with his fishing buddies, and playing golf with his favorite guys. His garden wasn’t immaculate, but it grew an abundance of vegetables that he shared with all his family, friends and neighbors.

Those left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife, Sandra White; sons, Jesse Lynn White, Jr.  and his wife Pat of Beaumont and Tim White; daughters, MaryBeth Strickland and her husband Larry of Vidor and Sharon Huff and her husband George of Houston;  grandchildren, Holly Aber and her husband Joel, Angela White, Amber Odom and her husband Ben, Wesley Strickland, Theresa Strickland, Alex Wells and her husband Blair, Tom McDade, Timothy White, Aaron White, Nicholas White, Brian Worthington, Heidi Worthington, and Karen Worthington; great-grandchildren, Logan Aber, Gabrielle Strickland, Adrian Odom, Myla Wells, J.J. Gallardo, Adrianna Gallardo and Max Salazar; brothers, James L. (Jiggs) White and his wife Mary, Wendell White, and his twin, Bill White and his wife Betty; and numerous special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Ben White; brothers, Morris and Menard White; grandson, Quinton White.

The Lord finally said, “Jesse come home.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Christian Vigil will be 5:00 p.m. with a gathering of his family and friends to follow Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Many thanks go out to Dr. Stovall, Dr. Joe Bill Holland, Dr. Patibandla, and the nurses at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for their kindness and care.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5075 Bigner Road, Beaumont, Texas 77708.